Gordon, Andrew. Empire of Dreams: The Science Fiction and Fantasy Films of Steven Spielberg

摘要: Gordon, Andrew. Empire of Dreams: The Science Fiction and Fantasy Films Steven Spielberg. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2008. 302 pp. Paperback. ISBN 978-0-7425-5578-5. $26.95. Andrew Gordon's Spielberg is the fourth book to come out on Spielberg's work in as many years, which both its blessing curse. It a because Gordon able draw from Warren Buckland, Lester Friedman, Nigel Morris, all whom recently published monographs films (Buckland's Directed by Friedman's Citizen came 2006; Morris's Cinema shortly after, 2007). As result, four books, offers most comprehensive review critical receptions readings sf, fantasy, horror he reference other three scholars. At same time, timing could be seen curse: his line, therefore must struggle tell us something about we not learn three. Indeed, begins much way Morris begin theirs: defense against purple prose gushy fans, one hand, other, marauding bands critics intent maligning popular sentimental. writes, "While publications provide fan's eye view man work, academic dismiss akin animated cartoons or sentimental greeting cards. I shall treat with respect major filmmaker" (1). In words, like aim take up oeuvre critically yet unapologetically. What separates that immediately preceded it focuses films, does so through psychological psychoanalytical lens. Buckland's methodical analysis filmmaking techniques; far-reaching, encyclopedic romp entire oeuvre; careful, sometimes esoteric, psychoanalytic exploration films. book, playful accessible. organized chronologically, beginning earliest film, Duel (1971), proceeding 2005 film War Worlds. Almost chapters address each individually. Despite linear organization, manages context; for example, brings depictions manhood Close Encounters Third Kind (1977) chapter where discusses Hook (1991). well structured, but themes explorations remain fluid. They are also accessible, stems part fact frequently inserts himself viewer personally directly book. This an advantage disadvantage. By personalizing effects takes criticism (which, should admit, often seems bizarre impenetrable average reader) casts tool understanding problems posed spectatorship. Rather than losing reader complexities Freudian, Kleinian, Jungian analyses, tries understand own reactions--positive negative--to films: "I don't go movies. When first saw Jaws 1975, was scared opening sequence wanted race theatre panic. hadn't been terrified since shower scene Psycho (1960). Yet stayed till end Jaws. Why did stay?" (30). goes use Freud (and others) look answers such questions might compelling, say, undergraduate student skeptical film. …